Dear Editor,
Her Excellency Arya Ali, the First Lady, has commendably made it her mission to develop and open up public spaces for citizens to enjoy wholesome, family-oriented activities that promote good health, happiness, and overall well-being.
One of her earlier initiatives was the improvement of the Georgetown Seawalls. Before this project, I was hesitant to visit the area with my family—it simply was not a pleasant or safe environment. Since the extensive upgrades to the infrastructure and surroundings, however, the Seawalls have become a welcoming, beautiful space that attracts both locals and visitors.
Regrettably, there appears to be no ongoing plan to maintain these improvements, despite the public funds invested. Garbage has once again accumulated and is now scattered across the foreshore, particularly in the vicinity of the Bandstand. The area currently reeks of decaying animal carcasses. There are also remnants of a large wooden fishing boat on the beach west of the Bandstand toward the Marriott Hotel. Broken glass, plastic bottles, and other debris are widespread.
While every citizen has a duty not to litter, we must confront the reality of our situation. Unfortunately, many Guyanese do not demonstrate respect for public spaces. It is not uncommon for residents to sweep their yards and dispose of their waste in the nearest drain. As a society, we continue to show an alarming disregard for the environment and the rights of others. This inconsiderate and irresponsible behaviour diminishes the quality of life for all. I challenge anyone to prove otherwise.
It is for this reason that I am appealing directly to Her Excellency to use her office to implement a sustainable maintenance plan for the Seawalls, building upon the great investment she has already made. I suggest the appointment of a team of approximately twenty persons, equipped with the necessary tools and resources, to serve on rotating shifts as stewards of the Seawalls. These individuals could be drawn from the existing pool of government-supported 10-day workers. Their mandate should be to ensure the area remains clean and orderly.
In addition, Environmental Officers could be designated to monitor the area and report violations to the relevant authorities for the issuance of littering tickets or charges. I also propose the installation of permanent security huts along the Seawalls to enhance safety, particularly for those who visit early in the morning to exercise or in the evening to enjoy the sunset. Currently, I observe that the police outpost near the Bandstand remains tightly locked until around 7:00 a.m., which undermines public confidence in safety during the early hours.
Furthermore, the Round House and the nearby public restrooms would benefit from the presence of permanent custodial staff to ensure cleanliness and maintain standards of public health. At present, these facilities emit strong odours of stale urine and other unpleasant smells, detracting from the experience.
I also encourage Her Excellency to engage with the Honourable Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, to develop and implement a humane and effective plan to assist members of the vagrant population who have taken up residence along the Seawalls. I am confident that the Government already employs professionals capable of designing solutions and treatment programmes to address homelessness with compassion and dignity.
I make this appeal to the First Lady because the citizens are well aware that the Mayor and City Council have proven themselves unable or unwilling to maintain this national treasure which falls within the precincts of Georgetown and for which they have the responsibility to maintain. We cannot continue to wait for international conferences to be hosted at the Marriott or the Pegasus before the area is cleaned and made fit for wholesome public use once more.
This is my personal and heartfelt plea. I am sure many others will join in this humble request. I hope this letter reaches Her Excellency’s attention and inspires timely action.
Yours sincerely,
George Caldeira III
